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The Desecration of All Saints
Mackenzie August is a private detective and he's in a rut. His is a feast-or-famine profession, and seasons of mundane work are wearing him down. What he needs is a stimulating case...
Two men come to Mackenzie in secret and request his services. The leader of their church is a venerable and nationally celebrated priest, yet rumors circulate that all is not as it seems. A young clergyman, recently hired, alleges the man is really a villain in disguise. Who can be trusted, the newcomer or the respected priest?
Mackenzie is charged with discovering who is telling the truth and who is lying, and do it before the public catches wind. What he discovers, however, is far worse than anyone could've guessed...
Two men come to Mackenzie in secret and request his services. The leader of their church is a venerable and nationally celebrated priest, yet rumors circulate that all is not as it seems. A young clergyman, recently hired, alleges the man is really a villain in disguise. Who can be trusted, the newcomer or the respected priest?
Mackenzie is charged with discovering who is telling the truth and who is lying, and do it before the public catches wind. What he discovers, however, is far worse than anyone could've guessed...
308 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 16, 2019
1638 people are currently reading
528 people want to read
About the author
Alan Lee
34 books269 followersYour favorite mystery author for the next twenty years.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 143 reviews
July 21, 2020
Mackenzie is a wonderfully created character and I felt myself root for him.
The plot itself was excellent and moved at a rapid pace and the twists and turns of the story kept it enjoyable till the very end. Loved it.
The plot itself was excellent and moved at a rapid pace and the twists and turns of the story kept it enjoyable till the very end. Loved it.
December 24, 2019
WOW! My first novel by this author. It is a must-read. Cannot put down. Allan Lee tells it like it is. I have not had to look up so many new words for quite a while. The dictionary function of the Kindle is great for this. He has a more than apt command of the English language.
Lee is a champion of the Christian church, sticking up for the underdog, fighting for the truth and God's truth and sorting through church politics. This shows in the depiction of this in his main character, August Mackenzie.
Some Christians might be put off by some sexual innuendo of the main character who professes to be a Christian but Lee shows him with his flaws but he still has a heart after God and in the presevation of the church and God's clergy.
But still, this novel is worth the read and I an encouraged to read from Book 1. This novel is a standalone that happens between Books 1 and 2 of the August Mackenzie series.
His message of how power, ego and the bondage of sexual sin goes deep, and corrupts and destroys relationships, church members and ultimately the individual if it goes unchecked and remains hidden.
Lee is a champion of the Christian church, sticking up for the underdog, fighting for the truth and God's truth and sorting through church politics. This shows in the depiction of this in his main character, August Mackenzie.
Some Christians might be put off by some sexual innuendo of the main character who professes to be a Christian but Lee shows him with his flaws but he still has a heart after God and in the presevation of the church and God's clergy.
But still, this novel is worth the read and I an encouraged to read from Book 1. This novel is a standalone that happens between Books 1 and 2 of the August Mackenzie series.
His message of how power, ego and the bondage of sexual sin goes deep, and corrupts and destroys relationships, church members and ultimately the individual if it goes unchecked and remains hidden.
January 25, 2022
Alan Lee characterizes this book as a standalone novel, but I’m not really sure why it’s not part of the Mackenzie August series, since it features the same cast of characters and the same type of story. Either way, like the series books that I’ve read so far, it’s a good, fast-paced story that kept me turning the pages.
When Mack is hired by a couple of members of the vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church to investigate allegations of sexual harassment by the rector, they are hoping that Mack will be able to disprove the allegations and prevent the church’s reputation from being sullied. As a fairly religious Episcopalian himself, Mack is on board with the assignment. But once he commits himself to an investigation, he is determined to follow the facts wherever they might lead, and in this case, they lead in unexpected directions.
I’ve said before that Mack reminds me of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, except that he’s more of a smartass. That assessment holds true for this book too. I usually admire Mack’s literary bent and his erudite vocabulary, but in reading this one I sometimes thought he was going over the top. This time around, I also found the frequent imagined comments by Mack’s toddler son Kix to be a little more irritating—Kix is portrayed as a “mini-me” version of Mack, with adult opinions and the same smartass attitude as his father.
But The Desecration of All Saints is fun to read despite those (to me) annoying aspects. The characters are lively, the dialog is (apart from Kix) realistic, and the plot has enough twists to please most any mystery fan.
When Mack is hired by a couple of members of the vestry of All Saints Episcopal Church to investigate allegations of sexual harassment by the rector, they are hoping that Mack will be able to disprove the allegations and prevent the church’s reputation from being sullied. As a fairly religious Episcopalian himself, Mack is on board with the assignment. But once he commits himself to an investigation, he is determined to follow the facts wherever they might lead, and in this case, they lead in unexpected directions.
I’ve said before that Mack reminds me of Robert B. Parker’s Spenser, except that he’s more of a smartass. That assessment holds true for this book too. I usually admire Mack’s literary bent and his erudite vocabulary, but in reading this one I sometimes thought he was going over the top. This time around, I also found the frequent imagined comments by Mack’s toddler son Kix to be a little more irritating—Kix is portrayed as a “mini-me” version of Mack, with adult opinions and the same smartass attitude as his father.
But The Desecration of All Saints is fun to read despite those (to me) annoying aspects. The characters are lively, the dialog is (apart from Kix) realistic, and the plot has enough twists to please most any mystery fan.
May 24, 2020
Best book I’ve read this year.
Alan Lee has crafted a stunning mystery uncovered by an unforgettable hero. Mackenzie August grabs your attention from the first page and pins you to your seat till the ride’s over. Due to his penchant for big words, you’ll even have a better vocabulary once you can breath again.
The title Desecration of All Saints sounds like it could be a dark tale, but the fascinating characters, whip-smart dialogue, and hilarious banter keep you laughing and engaged the whole way through. Alan Lee manages to navigate thought-provoking and thorny topics with compassion and grace, while working in enough irreverent skepticism and true-to-life humanity to feel like you’ve been on a real journey with the characters.
Fast-paced, intriguing, and at times downright sexy, this story takes you down a rabbit hole of human nature’s darker desires, but makes you ever more impressed by the integrity and determination of its hero. Far from being the stereotypical hard-drinking PI, Mackenzie August is a new breed of cool. With his ensemble of ridiculously good-looking but down-to-earth friends, he uses more wits than brawn, and while he’s tough as nails where it counts, he’s full of surprises. I plan to immediately start the rest of the series. This novel had me staying up late, ignoring my TV, and talking it up to friends. I’ll be sharing it with anyone I know who loves mysteries, action thrillers, or just wants an unforgettable read.
Alan Lee has crafted a stunning mystery uncovered by an unforgettable hero. Mackenzie August grabs your attention from the first page and pins you to your seat till the ride’s over. Due to his penchant for big words, you’ll even have a better vocabulary once you can breath again.
The title Desecration of All Saints sounds like it could be a dark tale, but the fascinating characters, whip-smart dialogue, and hilarious banter keep you laughing and engaged the whole way through. Alan Lee manages to navigate thought-provoking and thorny topics with compassion and grace, while working in enough irreverent skepticism and true-to-life humanity to feel like you’ve been on a real journey with the characters.
Fast-paced, intriguing, and at times downright sexy, this story takes you down a rabbit hole of human nature’s darker desires, but makes you ever more impressed by the integrity and determination of its hero. Far from being the stereotypical hard-drinking PI, Mackenzie August is a new breed of cool. With his ensemble of ridiculously good-looking but down-to-earth friends, he uses more wits than brawn, and while he’s tough as nails where it counts, he’s full of surprises. I plan to immediately start the rest of the series. This novel had me staying up late, ignoring my TV, and talking it up to friends. I’ll be sharing it with anyone I know who loves mysteries, action thrillers, or just wants an unforgettable read.
November 6, 2019
This is a stand alone entry in the Mackenzie August saga. Realistically it falls somewhere between books 1 and 2, the same characters appear in the book, but this story touches more on a situation that doesn't fully involve them. Mackenzie is hired by some church leaders to discover the truth behind allegations surrounding their esteemed church leader and a sub-ordinate who says he has received unwanted attention. Those hiring Mack really want him to prove that the accusations are baseless, as the pastor is well-known and has helped bring in both worshippers and funds. It is a sensitive topic, and possibly involves the disappearance of two teenage boys. The story gets more twisty and has some surprising turns.
May 28, 2020
This book has a myriad of loquaciousness and corking banter.
I was not quite sure what to expect from this book. It came highly recommended from a family member. So I jumped in. I was surprised by the great humor and found myself laughing quite a lot. But it is a serious novel about a serious problem. Plus it had unexpected twists and revelations. Alan is an excellent writer and I breezed through this easy to read story. It is tight and wrapped up nicely at the end. I am off to read more of Mackenzie August stories and also try to memorize some cool vocabulary.
I was not quite sure what to expect from this book. It came highly recommended from a family member. So I jumped in. I was surprised by the great humor and found myself laughing quite a lot. But it is a serious novel about a serious problem. Plus it had unexpected twists and revelations. Alan is an excellent writer and I breezed through this easy to read story. It is tight and wrapped up nicely at the end. I am off to read more of Mackenzie August stories and also try to memorize some cool vocabulary.
August 30, 2022
Phew!!! What a thriller that the last 100pages I had to read without putting the book down! I felt like I was in the middle of this story watching it all unfold, yet the ending, I did NOT see coming!
January 4, 2026
plot was decent but the book is ruined by a pretentious and annoying MC. Almost every other sentence he's stroking his own ego and is so over the top with flowery language, it means the story doesn't flow or feel natural in the slightest. so annoying that it overtook the entire thing for me.
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July 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/23/2020)! 🎁
July 20, 2020
Interesting. I am dithering between adding a half star or just filling in the fourth star.
I would not recommend this book for you to read if you belong to an organized religion and feel very strongly about the bible and your church. If you have an open mind, and I don't mean that you have to be an atheist, you might also find this book interesting. There are some pretty horrid scenes near the end that take place in an underground root cellar of sorts, a sort of dungeon, that made me cringe so much that I had to put the book down for a few minutes in order to bolster my courage enough to continue. This at 2:30 in the morning, as I woke a little before 2:00 and couldn't go back to sleep.
All in all, I like Alan Lee's writing and would buy another of his books. Not just yet, though.
I would not recommend this book for you to read if you belong to an organized religion and feel very strongly about the bible and your church. If you have an open mind, and I don't mean that you have to be an atheist, you might also find this book interesting. There are some pretty horrid scenes near the end that take place in an underground root cellar of sorts, a sort of dungeon, that made me cringe so much that I had to put the book down for a few minutes in order to bolster my courage enough to continue. This at 2:30 in the morning, as I woke a little before 2:00 and couldn't go back to sleep.
All in all, I like Alan Lee's writing and would buy another of his books. Not just yet, though.
July 25, 2020
3. 5 Stars : While the plot was interesting, sometimes the dialogue came across like a 1940s "Sam Spade" movie. The banter could be distracting, and even tho my vocabulary was expanded by his usage of "big words", it made the main character sound pretentious. I found his love interest to be an irritation and basically a cruel woman who was what used to be called a "prick teaser". Sorry if I offended but in this case, it fits.
Would I read more in this series? Yes, the plot was good and the irritations are worth it.
Would I read more in this series? Yes, the plot was good and the irritations are worth it.
February 28, 2020
It's book 1.5 of the Roanoke regional mystery series featuring Mackenzie August.
Mack is still trying to figure out how to live a complicated honor-code-driven life as a young single father in love with a woman who is engaged to someone else.
But the officers of the local Episcopal church have come calling, asking him to look into allegations their pastor has been sexually harassing other male employees.
It's a worthy entry and one that solidifies my love for this new series.
Mack is still trying to figure out how to live a complicated honor-code-driven life as a young single father in love with a woman who is engaged to someone else.
But the officers of the local Episcopal church have come calling, asking him to look into allegations their pastor has been sexually harassing other male employees.
It's a worthy entry and one that solidifies my love for this new series.
March 11, 2020
Enjoyed immensely
This was another hit in the series of Mack August mysteries. The way these characters have me laughing and on the edge of my seat at the same time is just wonderful. I love authors who pull me in and make me feel like I can see, hear and feel the story.
Hope to read more by Alan Lee.
This was another hit in the series of Mack August mysteries. The way these characters have me laughing and on the edge of my seat at the same time is just wonderful. I love authors who pull me in and make me feel like I can see, hear and feel the story.
Hope to read more by Alan Lee.
May 19, 2020
This is a MUST READ !!
What a great book , took me a while to get into the story but once I' did Whilst ! Couldn't put it down . I will be reading you for the next twenty years at least so don't let me down Mr Lee !? I can't remember the last time I was so excited about a new to me author Lorraine King
What a great book , took me a while to get into the story but once I' did Whilst ! Couldn't put it down . I will be reading you for the next twenty years at least so don't let me down Mr Lee !? I can't remember the last time I was so excited about a new to me author Lorraine King
June 9, 2020
A book that brings together today's headlines
I loved the way that MAckenzie August makes me grab for the dictionary and the way he puts together clues. Alan Lee is my new favorite author and will be for the next twenty years. August is a great character and now I have to find more books that feature him.
I loved the way that MAckenzie August makes me grab for the dictionary and the way he puts together clues. Alan Lee is my new favorite author and will be for the next twenty years. August is a great character and now I have to find more books that feature him.
May 21, 2020
A dark story about a church goer.
An enjoyable hero PI, his work and love life intertwined to upset him. He is smart and handsome, a single dad and a determined slacker of the truth in a messy church scandal. Excentlywritten but story a little troubling to swallow.
An enjoyable hero PI, his work and love life intertwined to upset him. He is smart and handsome, a single dad and a determined slacker of the truth in a messy church scandal. Excentlywritten but story a little troubling to swallow.
October 29, 2022
Mackenzie August, a private investigator, is hired by an Episcopalian church vestry to investigate allegations against the church's rector, the very popular Father Louis Lindsey. The allegations accuse the well-liked Father of making unwanted advances on a younger clergyman. The young priest also informs the vestry that another young man has also been approached by the popular rector but refuses to divulge his name. The senior members of the vestry do not believe the allegations based primarily on his esteem reputation, his ability to generate substantial contributions to the church, the fact that he has been at the church so long, and the accused clergyman is married. To complicate the situation, a boy who attends the church has been reported missing, and fear that someone at the church could be involved only adds to the desperation to resolve the issue.
Alan Lee does an impressive job of weaving a thrilling detective tale reminiscent of detective stories from the past. The lead character, Mackenzie August, is just the kind of P.I. you would hire if you were in the market for an experienced, strong, smart, witty, and dependable investigator. Mackenzie is also a single parent with a toddler son, who manages a humorous dialog with his father although no words are spoken. The other characters in Mackenzie's circle of trusted associates prove to be unique, including a US Marshall, a girlfriend who is engaged to someone else, and the female town sheriff who just happens to be dating his father.
The plot gets complicated and some of the terminology and words that the author injects into the story seem complex, so have a dictionary handy. The storyline was well written and the character development was intriguing and at times surprising. There were also some unexpected twists and turns in the plot that I did not see coming. I enjoyed reading the story and the interactions between the characters were impressive. This is a very good detective thriller that I highly recommend.
Alan Lee does an impressive job of weaving a thrilling detective tale reminiscent of detective stories from the past. The lead character, Mackenzie August, is just the kind of P.I. you would hire if you were in the market for an experienced, strong, smart, witty, and dependable investigator. Mackenzie is also a single parent with a toddler son, who manages a humorous dialog with his father although no words are spoken. The other characters in Mackenzie's circle of trusted associates prove to be unique, including a US Marshall, a girlfriend who is engaged to someone else, and the female town sheriff who just happens to be dating his father.
The plot gets complicated and some of the terminology and words that the author injects into the story seem complex, so have a dictionary handy. The storyline was well written and the character development was intriguing and at times surprising. There were also some unexpected twists and turns in the plot that I did not see coming. I enjoyed reading the story and the interactions between the characters were impressive. This is a very good detective thriller that I highly recommend.
September 28, 2020
I really can't decide about this book. It is pretty rubbish but in the end I kind of liked it. I think it is the way it has been written. The plot is actually quite good but the writing is very poor. The PI, Mackenzie. has a habit of using big, obscure words to make himself feel superior. It just seemed ridiculous and added nothing to the story. It was really irritating. We also get to hear what his baby sons thoughts are. They are quoted in Italics and are surprisingly adult. Again I can't see how this adds to the story.
Basically this could have been so much better but as it stands it is pretty rubbish. I nearly gave up and I am glad that I didn't as the plot is ok and I didn't see the baddy coming which is always a plus. However, I won't be reading any more Alan Lee books.
Mackenzie August is a private detective and he's in a rut. His is a feast-or-famine profession, and seasons of mundane work are wearing him down. What he needs is a stimulating case...
Two men come to Mackenzie in secret and request his services. The leader of their church is a venerable and nationally celebrated priest, yet rumors circulate that all is not as it seems. A young clergyman, recently hired, alleges the man is really a villain in disguise. Who can be trusted, the newcomer or the respected priest?
Mackenzie is charged with discovering who is telling the truth and who is lying, and do it before the public catches wind. What he discovers, however, is far worse than anyone could've guessed..
Basically this could have been so much better but as it stands it is pretty rubbish. I nearly gave up and I am glad that I didn't as the plot is ok and I didn't see the baddy coming which is always a plus. However, I won't be reading any more Alan Lee books.
Mackenzie August is a private detective and he's in a rut. His is a feast-or-famine profession, and seasons of mundane work are wearing him down. What he needs is a stimulating case...
Two men come to Mackenzie in secret and request his services. The leader of their church is a venerable and nationally celebrated priest, yet rumors circulate that all is not as it seems. A young clergyman, recently hired, alleges the man is really a villain in disguise. Who can be trusted, the newcomer or the respected priest?
Mackenzie is charged with discovering who is telling the truth and who is lying, and do it before the public catches wind. What he discovers, however, is far worse than anyone could've guessed..
April 5, 2024
This book is not part of the series and can be read stand alone. But as the author says himself, you will want to read the series when you've finished it! I really enjoy Alan Lee's style of writing. The subject matter - the crimes and criminals, awful situations that MacKenzie gets involved with are tempered by his extraordinary use of vocabulary, his internal thoughts and imaginary conversations by and with his baby son, Kix, which at times, make laugh out loud. This is not, however a "Cozy" or funny story in any way, but rather it's about the failabilty of man (and women, although not in this book) and the ability of power to corrupt.
Father Louis of All Saints, Roanoke, is just such a man. A closet homosexual who is so needy he prays on young men who are in no position to refuse him and gets angrily possessive if they try. One high school age boy went missing and was found dead after counselling by Father Louis a few years previously and now another is missing. The men who are desperate to preserve the church hire MacKenzie to prove Father Louis innocent of accusations of being a sexual predator. Unfortunately for them, things don't turn out as they hoped. And once again, Marshal Manny Martinez saved the day. This is a great extra to the main series - or an equally great introduction to these interesting, appealing characters. Alan Lee is, as he predicts at the end of each book, my new (or by now not so new) favourite crime writer!
Father Louis of All Saints, Roanoke, is just such a man. A closet homosexual who is so needy he prays on young men who are in no position to refuse him and gets angrily possessive if they try. One high school age boy went missing and was found dead after counselling by Father Louis a few years previously and now another is missing. The men who are desperate to preserve the church hire MacKenzie to prove Father Louis innocent of accusations of being a sexual predator. Unfortunately for them, things don't turn out as they hoped. And once again, Marshal Manny Martinez saved the day. This is a great extra to the main series - or an equally great introduction to these interesting, appealing characters. Alan Lee is, as he predicts at the end of each book, my new (or by now not so new) favourite crime writer!
February 2, 2022
WHAT A THOROUGHLY DELIGHTFUL BOOK!
In today’s world there are a lot of good detective yarns, and this is certainly one. The plot twists are surprising, the cast of characters novel and off the wall and fun. The crime is real – all the pieces fit together wonderfully.
But the absolutely most enjoyable part of this book – is the use of the English language. P.G. Wodehouse has here a run for his place as a craftsman of language, and I think that Mr. Lee may have won the competition. If you enjoy witty conversations, clever manipulation of words, mind-capturing descriptions – this is the book for you.
Now if you don’t care about any of that, you will still enjoy the story and the people. But – in my humble opinion – you will miss out on the real riches of this tale.
I confess that there are so many books, so many authors, I resist getting involved with any particular series or author. I have made occasional exceptions, and Alan Lee has just become another. I am going to actively investigate other books from this man.
I HEARTILY recommend this delightful book.
In today’s world there are a lot of good detective yarns, and this is certainly one. The plot twists are surprising, the cast of characters novel and off the wall and fun. The crime is real – all the pieces fit together wonderfully.
But the absolutely most enjoyable part of this book – is the use of the English language. P.G. Wodehouse has here a run for his place as a craftsman of language, and I think that Mr. Lee may have won the competition. If you enjoy witty conversations, clever manipulation of words, mind-capturing descriptions – this is the book for you.
Now if you don’t care about any of that, you will still enjoy the story and the people. But – in my humble opinion – you will miss out on the real riches of this tale.
I confess that there are so many books, so many authors, I resist getting involved with any particular series or author. I have made occasional exceptions, and Alan Lee has just become another. I am going to actively investigate other books from this man.
I HEARTILY recommend this delightful book.
January 30, 2022
.
.
I was a private eye for 35 years, and still feel like one.
This book is not bad, so far. I am up to here:
“How would you do that?” I shrugged. “Chicanery and a plucky amount of derring-do.” “Do all private detectives talk like this?” “Only the greats. Does Louis ever email you?”
I wish I had said that. 😀
1.) In 10 million years I would NEVER bring anybody to my house.
2.) what is it with Pedron (or whoever he is) sleeping on the floor and why the deprecating remarks about “white people?”
3.) These threats by the priest MUST be shut down. Threats are not permitted.
4.) The girl who is engaged hanging around all the time everywhere is nuts and I would send her AWAY! She is dangerous.
5.) what is it with all the references to how “handsome” or “beautiful” everyone seems to be?
I like Kix, but I see and hear “Stewie” (from that tevee show, whatever it is.)
.
.
.
.
I was a private eye for 35 years, and still feel like one.
This book is not bad, so far. I am up to here:
“How would you do that?” I shrugged. “Chicanery and a plucky amount of derring-do.” “Do all private detectives talk like this?” “Only the greats. Does Louis ever email you?”
I wish I had said that. 😀
1.) In 10 million years I would NEVER bring anybody to my house.
2.) what is it with Pedron (or whoever he is) sleeping on the floor and why the deprecating remarks about “white people?”
3.) These threats by the priest MUST be shut down. Threats are not permitted.
4.) The girl who is engaged hanging around all the time everywhere is nuts and I would send her AWAY! She is dangerous.
5.) what is it with all the references to how “handsome” or “beautiful” everyone seems to be?
I like Kix, but I see and hear “Stewie” (from that tevee show, whatever it is.)
.
.
.
July 6, 2020
The Desecration of All Saints by Alan Lee
I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. The subject matter was really well handled and I found the author’s moral compass and religious philosophy very close to my own. I loved the attitude the MC has toward himself, the self depreciating brag that most women recognize. They pretend they’re joking but we know better. I also loved the vocabulary... he throws out fancy words like he has a “word of the day” calendar and needs to use them all. Fun fact, I looked them all up and was mildly self satisfied that I knew about half of them. Secondary characters were well done also, interpretation of Kix’s babbling was cute, and I’d certainly read a book about Manny’s past.
Disappointed that all others in this series are only avail on Amazon, I don’t deal with them.
I enjoyed this one more than I thought I would. The subject matter was really well handled and I found the author’s moral compass and religious philosophy very close to my own. I loved the attitude the MC has toward himself, the self depreciating brag that most women recognize. They pretend they’re joking but we know better. I also loved the vocabulary... he throws out fancy words like he has a “word of the day” calendar and needs to use them all. Fun fact, I looked them all up and was mildly self satisfied that I knew about half of them. Secondary characters were well done also, interpretation of Kix’s babbling was cute, and I’d certainly read a book about Manny’s past.
Disappointed that all others in this series are only avail on Amazon, I don’t deal with them.
September 17, 2020
THis was really an awful book. I had to DNF after about 5 chapters. Then, I skipped to the last 2 chapters, and it got worse.
The author uses such unnecessarily huge words, one's you have to stop and get a dictionary to find out what they mean, because the author couldn't be bothered to let you in on their joke...that they know more than you do.
What's with the kid, Kipp, or whatever. A large part of this is an infant, who as you read, may actually be a toddler based on things the author tells us...having dialogue. I mean, does his "father" hear the son's words in his head, or what. This was...a large reason I said no more. It wasn't cute. It took from what could have been a decent story and made it worse than it had already begun to show it was.
I won't be reading any more from Alan Lee. Not sure how he got so many 5 stars...
The author uses such unnecessarily huge words, one's you have to stop and get a dictionary to find out what they mean, because the author couldn't be bothered to let you in on their joke...that they know more than you do.
What's with the kid, Kipp, or whatever. A large part of this is an infant, who as you read, may actually be a toddler based on things the author tells us...having dialogue. I mean, does his "father" hear the son's words in his head, or what. This was...a large reason I said no more. It wasn't cute. It took from what could have been a decent story and made it worse than it had already begun to show it was.
I won't be reading any more from Alan Lee. Not sure how he got so many 5 stars...
April 18, 2021
Pretty good stuff
This is the second Mackenzie August I’ve read. The first one was free, and reading the reviews, I didn’t think I would enjoy it. But I’ve been consuming mystery novels like Krispy Kreme Tiny Crullers this past year (you know), and I’m always on the lookout for those that meet my exacting standards (no goo-goo romance, no habitual grammatical errors). So I read it. Then I read this one. And the next is in my lineup.
I like the characters; even the minor ones are carefully drawn. The things people say to each other sound like the way people talk—and they don’t all sound alike. The plots keep me guessing. And while I try to avoid scenes of cringeworthy violence, Mr. Lee’s are at least short. And inventive. And for a valuable bonus, I often laugh out loud.
So I highly recommend these books.
This is the second Mackenzie August I’ve read. The first one was free, and reading the reviews, I didn’t think I would enjoy it. But I’ve been consuming mystery novels like Krispy Kreme Tiny Crullers this past year (you know), and I’m always on the lookout for those that meet my exacting standards (no goo-goo romance, no habitual grammatical errors). So I read it. Then I read this one. And the next is in my lineup.
I like the characters; even the minor ones are carefully drawn. The things people say to each other sound like the way people talk—and they don’t all sound alike. The plots keep me guessing. And while I try to avoid scenes of cringeworthy violence, Mr. Lee’s are at least short. And inventive. And for a valuable bonus, I often laugh out loud.
So I highly recommend these books.
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January 24, 2022 4.29 · Rating details · 1,172 ratings · 110 reviews
Mackenzie August is a private detective and he's in a rut. His is a feast-or-famine profession, and seasons of mundane work are wearing him down. What he needs is a stimulating case...
Two men come to Mackenzie in secret and request his services. The leader of their church is a venerable and nationally celebrated priest, yet rumors circulate that all is not as it seems. A young clergyman, recently hired, alleges the man is really a villain in disguise. Who can be trusted, the newcomer or the respected priest?
Mackenzie is charged with discovering who is telling the truth and who is lying, and do it before the public catches wind. What he discovers, however, is far worse than anyone could've guessed.
Didn't finish. Didn't have the energy
Mackenzie August is a private detective and he's in a rut. His is a feast-or-famine profession, and seasons of mundane work are wearing him down. What he needs is a stimulating case...
Two men come to Mackenzie in secret and request his services. The leader of their church is a venerable and nationally celebrated priest, yet rumors circulate that all is not as it seems. A young clergyman, recently hired, alleges the man is really a villain in disguise. Who can be trusted, the newcomer or the respected priest?
Mackenzie is charged with discovering who is telling the truth and who is lying, and do it before the public catches wind. What he discovers, however, is far worse than anyone could've guessed.
Didn't finish. Didn't have the energy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2019
An other great book in Mr. Lee's series. This one highlights two facets of the novels that I enjoy. One is the "dialogue" with Mack's son, Kix. Priceless. The other is MacKenzie's incredible vocabulary which is more than apt for a former English teacher. However, this also highlights one thing that drives me crazy. Mr. August, with the great vocabulary and grasp of the English language always fouls the pronouns following verbs to be. So often, Mr. August should be saying "I" rather than "me". Alas, it drives me nuts!
This plot is another and stands alone - as a stand alone novel should. For those like me, who look forward to every M. August novel, the prequels work as well as the sequels.
This plot is another and stands alone - as a stand alone novel should. For those like me, who look forward to every M. August novel, the prequels work as well as the sequels.
November 16, 2019
An Adrenaline Inducing Read’s Rush!
The Desecration of All Saints” is the latest offering by Author Alan Lee and while it is a “standalone novel it is a Mackenzie August book featuring all the main characters of previous books...Those characters have whose presence make the reading so much fun for me are present and accounted for.
The plot line is excellent and exciting making the book difficult to put aside and while the story is complete I found myself wanting even more.
The author at the end has, I believe, left us with a glimpse into Mackenzie August’s next case. At least I hope that’s the case.
Thank you Alan Lee. I’ll be looking forward to the next book.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.
The Desecration of All Saints” is the latest offering by Author Alan Lee and while it is a “standalone novel it is a Mackenzie August book featuring all the main characters of previous books...Those characters have whose presence make the reading so much fun for me are present and accounted for.
The plot line is excellent and exciting making the book difficult to put aside and while the story is complete I found myself wanting even more.
The author at the end has, I believe, left us with a glimpse into Mackenzie August’s next case. At least I hope that’s the case.
Thank you Alan Lee. I’ll be looking forward to the next book.
I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book.
January 14, 2020
Love Mackenzie August
Mr. Lee is a challenging author to read. My minor was in English, and I have worked as a professional proofreader. Even with my better than average vocabulary, I had to use the dictionary function on my e-reader several times.
Mackenzie August is a multi-faceted character, a slightly flawed but very intellectual human being and Mr. Lee has made him both humorously entertaining and reverent. I read the first book in the series before reading this one, and can't wait to read the next. I found only a few errors between both books (unusual for me) and his one dangling participle and and one wrong word (yolk instead of yoke) are easily forgiven.
On to the next book in the series!
Mr. Lee is a challenging author to read. My minor was in English, and I have worked as a professional proofreader. Even with my better than average vocabulary, I had to use the dictionary function on my e-reader several times.
Mackenzie August is a multi-faceted character, a slightly flawed but very intellectual human being and Mr. Lee has made him both humorously entertaining and reverent. I read the first book in the series before reading this one, and can't wait to read the next. I found only a few errors between both books (unusual for me) and his one dangling participle and and one wrong word (yolk instead of yoke) are easily forgiven.
On to the next book in the series!
June 4, 2020
A book best read on a Kindle (or similar) to check the meaning of unfamiliar words. The protagonist is engaging, but it is rather off-putting how often the author has him referring to himself as good-looking/handsome, etc. Additionally, his friends and the other characters who work on the side of justice have remarkable good looks. While other readers may appreciate what are presented as his son's thoughts that appear in italics, they interrupt the flow of the book, leaving the reader to wonder if they are to be interrupted as the inner thoughts of Mr. August or something else entirely. Not a bad book, but perhaps rather a bit self-indulgent.
August 19, 2020
This is the second book in the series that Ive read and liked both of them.
While all the beautiful people in this story gets old fast it at times is humorous.
The plot centered around the episcopal church pastors and the community takes several twists that was not fully expected.
The weird relationship between the main characters is hard to fathom but adds to the storyline of these self described most beautiful people in the state.
The book moved slowly in spots when delving into certain aspects of the story but was easily rectified but skimming over till it gets back on track.
Will probably buy the next book in the series.
While all the beautiful people in this story gets old fast it at times is humorous.
The plot centered around the episcopal church pastors and the community takes several twists that was not fully expected.
The weird relationship between the main characters is hard to fathom but adds to the storyline of these self described most beautiful people in the state.
The book moved slowly in spots when delving into certain aspects of the story but was easily rectified but skimming over till it gets back on track.
Will probably buy the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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